Complete Testimonials

1. Darlene & House of Hope,

   Thank you for making my life as a new mother a peaceful and easy transition by providing such a loving and safe environment for me and my baby.  I will have fond memories when I think of my time here at House of Hope.  It has been a wellspring of inspiration for me... especially spiritually.  I've come a lot closer to the Lord since I've been here, and I've gotten to reflect on my life, myself and my relationships.  I think it was fate that I came here.  Because I was able to come here, I am now able to be independent enough to make a transition..... a move that I have been anticipating for a while.  I am ready to be with the baby's father and begin my own family.  For now, we will be in Canada, but we will be returning to the states in the spring to live some in Oregon.  I realize I might owe you money for my last last night's stay.  Since I have limited funds to return I will mail you a check when I get home... in about a week.  I owe your daughter Patty a hat for her son, but didn't get to making it.  Instead I have given her a purse she wanted that is equal in value.  If there are any concerns you can call me or email me in Canada.  Enjoy the holidays!  God Bless House of Hope, you are in my prayers and thoughts and will continue to be in my heart.  Sign of a heart, Sierra (Came as a good bye card.)

2. Dear Whom It May Concern,

   I am a 29 year old women who is currently going through a temporary separation with my husband.  Because of my past drug problems and my current Mental Health issues No One in my family and none of my friends would have anything to do with me.  I had no place to live.  I was determined to commit Suicide.  I was lonely. I was scared.  I had No Hope.  I checked myself into the hospital as a last chance of survival.  In the hospital, I found out about Darlene Woods" House of Hope."  She let me in.  She came and picked me up from the hospital.  I couldn't believe the love I felt in this "House." I was accepted and cared for - my hope was restored.  I began to build relationships and heal.  My marriage is being restored.  My relationship with my mother is restored.  I have been able to surrender my entire life to Jesus I now have complete Hope for my life and my relationship with my family and friends.  It's all because of the love in this " House." The guidance in this house, the support in this house.  I've only been here a month and I am planning to stay here up to a year.  Without this house, Darlene Woods, Sue Bray and their faith in Christ they have shared with me I wouldn't be alive.  This "House" has meant the difference between life and death for me and Heaven and Hell for me and my family.
   Whole Heartedly, SJ

3. To Whom It May Concern,

   I have lived in the House of Hope for about 9 months.  I am so thankful for the food, housing, services of learning experiences.  I have seen many girls come and go.  I have seen them grow and go on with their lives, living much better and growing in many ways with respect and services with others.  I have seen girls with disorders, with drug and alcohol experiences.  And have seen them grow both spiritual and health wise.  We all live with lots of support and Love.  Thank You SB

4. Distraught and almost inconsolable I sought a place of refuge as I drove to my church.  My plan was to go find a quiet place to pray.  Yet when I happened to connect with a good friend,  I could not hold back the tears.  I unleashed the torment of feelings and fears.  I was astounded that once again guilt and shame weighted heavily in my emotional state.  I felt betrayed and rejected almost reviled by someone I thought was a close friend.  Not only was there the fear of the uncertain future, but now I was shook to the core.  Every thing seems so messed up, my marriage,my finances, my future.  I recently separated from my husband, lost my job, and now was displaced from the residence I had believed God provided.  As I was trying to apply for unemployment at the church and was on hold for a ridiculous amount of time, a familiar voice spoke and said she wanted to introduce me to someone.  It happened to be Darlene Woods, who ran the House of Hope.  I was very unfamiliar with this ministry.  As Darlene talked, I began to have a glimmer of Hope.  There was an available room.  I could take my teenage daughter AND the home was close to the school my daughter attended.

   An answer to prayer as I had run out of options for the time being.  I was still skeptical about living with other women and their children.  HOHM even had RULES to follow.  I hadn't needed to concern myself with rules and curfews before.  My skepticsm was minute compared to my teenager's fear and unwillingness to give it a try.

   Eventually with a promise to my daughter that this move would only be temporary, she reluctantly compiled.  At first she emphatically declared that she would do everything in her power to be rebellious and uncooperative.  Yet we did move in, thankfully at first my daughter was able to have her own room.  Privacy for a teenager is an enormous need/desire.

   I was amazed as I got to know my fellow house mates.  The women were so open and welcoming and understanding.  It wasn't long before my daughter suggested that one of the ladies move in with us when we found our place.  The women were so kind to my daughter and understanding.  They listened to her funny stories and really cared about what she thought.  I could see a softening of her heart before my eyes. 

   The same love and acceptance my daughter found I also received.  I was surprised by the many benefits of living with others.  It was a time in which I needed support and help.  I received it at the HOH.  I received even more as I've gotten to know some very wonderful ladies.  At times I was able to encourage and support the other women who were being so instrumental in helping me walk through there difficult circumstances.  All of us were overcoming struggles in our lives.  The bonds that were being formed are more than for a reason or a season but for a life time of relationship.

   Each day I learn something new about being in healthy relationships with other women.  I also learn more about myself as I choose to seek God's will for my life.  I have been able to let down my guard and be transparent about my struggles without fear of condemnation or rejection.

   What a blessing and a God send was Darlene and the HOHM!  I am already preparing to move into a place of my own.  I do this with anticipation but also sadness at leaving this safe heaven.  My eyes have been opened to the tremendous need to support, love, and accept those who are dealing with adverse circumstances.  The HOHM is truly doing what Jesus did loving OTHERS and illuminating the PATH to a healthy life.